Mikel Merino is relishing Spain’s chance to progress to the semi-finals of the World Cup, although the quarter-final against Belgium in Inglewood awaits on Friday.
Merino played a key role as Spain stayed alive with his stoppage-time goal in a 1-0 win against Portugal in the round of 16 on Monday. And yet the clutch goal is just one reason why the midfielder appreciates the moment.
Merino almost missed his World Cup opportunity after a stress fracture and subsequent surgery in late January left his squad position in doubt. Despite the Arsenal midfielder playing less than thirty minutes in the months leading up to the World Cup, Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente had no doubts about Merino’s status.
“I have a great affection for all the players, but with Mikel Merino there is something special because we have known each other for a long time,” de la Fuente said. «If necessary, I would go and pick him up at his house. He is world class.»
The la Fuente’s unwavering confidence was rewarded when Merino came off the bench and stepped up at a crucial moment in the 85th minute to score the winner.
“Life has ups and downs, good times and bad,” Merino said. «When they told me about the injury, I thought I wouldn’t be at the World Cup, and here we are. … The fact that I was here a few months ago was unthinkable.»
His late heroics provide a chance to test Spain’s impenetrable defense against Belgium, who played the United States in a 4-1 win in Seattle on Monday as Charles De Ketelaere scored twice.
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Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simón has not conceded a goal in five games, extending his goalless streak to 609 minutes. But Belgium passed the Americans while resting midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and only using striker Jeremy Doku in the 67th minute.
Eager to seal the victory in emphatic fashion, Belgian coach Rudi Garcia brought on super sub Romelu Lukaku to score his third goal of the tournament.
“I think all the players picked by the gaffer (coach) have done a great job, and that just shows the strength of our squad,” said Belgian captain Youri Tielemans. «We want to continue to perform and win our next match, but we know that Spain will be very difficult to beat.»
Tielemans was an example of the all-in approach when Garcia put him in De Bruyne’s attacking midfielder position on a one-off basis.
“It was a different role for me,” said Tielemans. «I was higher up the pitch, which suits me well. I’m trying to be the best player I can be in whatever position I need to be to help the team and lead us there.»
Belgium continues without midfielder Amadou Onana, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury early against the United States, ending his World Cup appearance.
The winner of this match will advance to the semi-final against France. From what he saw during the tournament, De la Fuente likes his team’s chances of reaching the semi-finals.
“We have a lot of qualities that will make our opponents think we are the team to beat,” de la Fuente said. «We have a lot of confidence in ourselves, we are very sure of ourselves and we will do our best until the very last moment. Our opponents will have to beat us.»
Published on July 10, 2026
